sample practices for Formation

Here are some example practices for Formation:

• Confess one area of sin to God and ask for His grace

• Make a list of things you rely on other than God and ask for the Spirit to guide you away from those idols

• Spend special time in prayer to set your mind on Godly things and seek the Spirit who dwells inside of you, ask to be filled and controlled by Him

• Test the news/truths/prophecies you hear in God’s Word with the Spirit as your helper

• Study the fruit of the Spirit and look for the ones you are prone to struggle with.  Ask the Spirit for help in those areas

• Split a journal or sheet of paper in half, one side labeled ‘Lies’ and the other ‘Truth’.  Keep a list of any spiritual lies you are tempted by and then go look up verses to combat those lies with the truth

• Make a list of how you are defined by God: new creation, child, etc.  Keep that list nearby when you are tempted to believe otherwise

• Spend time in prayer thanking God for the reasons you have to rejoice and be thankful

• In seasons of doubt, worry, or lament, bring those emotions to the Spirit in prayer, asking Him to guide you in truth

• Regularly ask the following questions: Where am I out of alignment with what God has called me to do? Where am I being disobedient to what God has asked me to do?

  • Think about these areas: Sex/sexuality, marriage, parenting, work, finances, relationships, anger, words, deeds, thoughts, etc.

  • Confess that sin, receive God’s grace, repent of that sin, be obedient to follow God’s direction, and reconcile with others if needed